Wolves’ Move for £25m Striker Evann Guessand Complicated as Champions League Club Enters the Frame
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ search for attacking reinforcements ahead of the new season has encountered a significant twist, with their pursuit of Evann Guessand now facing serious competition from a club that has qualified directly for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
While the signing of 21-year-old Spanish attacker Fer López from Celta Vigo represents a promising first step in Wolves’ summer recruitment drive, it’s clear that more firepower is needed. The departure of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United has left a considerable gap in Vitor Pereira’s frontline, and the need for fresh goal-scoring options has never been more pressing.
One of the club’s prime targets, 24-year-old striker Evann Guessand of OGC Nice, had been identified as a potential solution. The Ivory Coast international enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2023/24, registering an impressive tally of 13 goals and nine assists in 42 matches across all competitions. His contributions played a crucial role in helping Nice finish fourth in Ligue 1 — narrowly missing out on automatic Champions League qualification by a single point on the final day of the season.
Wolves’ Initial Bid Rejected as Competition Grows
Wolves had reportedly tabled an offer for Guessand back in June, but their proposal was swiftly turned down, with Nice demanding a fee in the region of £25 million, according to Africa Foot. While Wolves were expected to return with an improved bid, developments elsewhere may force the club to rethink their strategy.
Initially, Turkish giants Fenerbahce had emerged as the leading competitors for Guessand’s signature. However, according to fresh reports from Inside Futbol and Foot Mercato, Spanish side Villarreal have now entered the race, adding further complications to Wolves’ pursuit. Villarreal, nicknamed the Yellow Submarine, are set to compete in the Champions League group stage next season — a major attraction for any ambitious player.
Sources close to the Spanish club indicate that Guessand’s strong performances last season made a notable impression on Villarreal’s recruitment team. While a formal bid is yet to be submitted, the Spanish outfit have made their interest known and are monitoring the situation closely.
Champions League Opportunity Could Be the Deciding Factor
Guessand’s next move could hinge on the allure of European football. Despite Fenerbahce’s interest, the Turkish side must still navigate the Champions League qualifiers — a far less certain proposition. Nice, similarly, must go through qualifying rounds to make it into the competition proper. Villarreal, on the other hand, have secured direct entry to the group stage, offering Guessand a guaranteed platform to showcase his talents on Europe’s biggest stage.
For Wolves, this development presents a serious obstacle. The Midlands club, while offering Premier League exposure, cannot match Villarreal’s European proposition. Compounding matters, reports suggest Guessand has not shown significant enthusiasm toward a move to Molineux, with some sources indicating he favours a move abroad — initially leaning toward Fenerbahce and now potentially intrigued by Villarreal’s offer.
Other Premier League Sides Circling
Wolves are not the only English club tracking Guessand. Both West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion are also believed to be keeping tabs on the striker. These clubs, with differing tactical setups and ambitions, could provide alternative routes to Premier League football for the Ivorian forward if a move to Spain does not materialise.
Time for Wolves to Re-Evaluate Their Strategy?
With increasing interest from higher-profile clubs and no clear indication that Guessand is keen on a move to Molineux, Wolves may be forced to reconsider their stance. While the 24-year-old remains a talented and exciting option, the complications around his transfer — from pricing to player preference — might make this chase more trouble than it’s worth.
For Vitor Pereira and the Wolves recruitment team, the summer window is still young. They may now look to redirect their attention toward strikers who are not only within budget but also more enthusiastic about joining the project at Wolves. A more focused approach could yield a better outcome than becoming entangled in a bidding war that might ultimately end in disappointment.